DESCRIPTION: We start at sea level at the back of the La Jolla Canyon Group Camping Parking Area to head up the Ray Miller Backbone Trail. The trail winds back and forth across the hillside providing spectacular views of the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. We climb almost 1000′ in the first 2.7 miles then it levels off for 1.9 miles as we traverse the ridge, joining the Overlook trail, revealing great views into Sycamore Canyon and the Boney Mountain range off to the Southeast. The final 0.7 miles is a gradual descent along the Loop trail into the valley below, turning into the La Jolla Valley walk-in campground. Here we take a break and grab a snack before our return to the trailhead along the same route.
DETAILS:
- Hike leader volunteer(s): Tim R.
- Meet: Ray Miller Trailhead in La Jolla Canyon parking lot (across from La Jolla beach) at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Aug 24).
- Distance: Approximately 10.67 miles.
- Elevation gain: Approximately 1,719 feet.
- Time: Approximately 5 hours hiking including a snack break.
- Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
- Dogs: No dogs are allowed.
- Restrooms: There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
- Adventure Pass: Not Required.
IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. There are no expected stream crossings, exposures, bugs or other warnings. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter poison oak, snakes, etc. on this hike. This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather before or at the start of the hike. Check the weather report and plan accordingly.
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended. Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?
CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Ray Miller Trailhead in La Jolla Canyon parking lot
(across from La Jolla Beach, Malibu, CA)
There are two parking options: Park in the La Jolla Canyon Parking lot and pay a $12/ day fee with a credit card to a machine in the lot. Alternatively, you may be able to find free parking out on the PCH, on either side of the entrance.
NAVIGATION:
We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to.
The Community Hiking Club is a Non-Profit 501C3 organization. We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via: Cash contribution (at each hike), or via Zelle at 6617135610; or via Venmo at: @Heidi-Webber-5
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Community Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Community Hiking Club (CHC) Meetup Group and its organizers and hike leaders are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Community Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing the Community Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.
